Local Red Cross Chapters Evolves Into Major Force

July 16, 1992

As war clouds loomed over Europe in 1917, Red Cross chapters in Hampton and Newport News were among 5,000 chapters across the nation that were established to support the military effort. The national American Red Cross was established in 1881.

Initially, the Elizabeth City County chapter and two branch offices were located at Fort Monroe and at the Normal School in Hampton, and the Newport News/Warwick chapter was located at St. Vincent Church in downtown Newport News.

These chapters were combined in 1966 as the Hampton Roads Chapter.

The national Red Cross also established headquarters on River Road in Newport News to house the field directors servicing Camps Stewart, Morrison Hill and Alexander and a horse calvary camp located on the old Casino grounds on West Avenue. The Newport News chapter used its facilities as a recreation center for servicemen passing through on the way to the war in Europe.

Here is a brief history of how the Hampton Roads Chapter of the American Red Cross evolved over the past 75 years:

* 1918 - After the armistice of World War I, Red Cross workers became a relief committee. A soup kitchen was opened and hospital supplies were sent to hospitals at Langley Field and Fort Monroe. A Debarkation Hospital was located at the National Soldiers Home in Hampton. Approximately 100 French War Wives created a Hostess House in Newport News under the care of Red Cross nurses.

* 1919 - The influenza epidemic, originating in Spain, was brought to area by returning military personnel. The Red Cross chapters were busy aiding civilians and placing orphaned children.

* 1920 - Volunteer workers continued to care for families in times of sickness and prepared meals for those in quarantine with infectious diseases such as scarlet fever.

* 1921 - The Associated Charities was formed to raise money for several agencies, including the Red Cross. Grey Ladies rolled bandages and volunteers were still meeting ships bring servicemen home.

* 1940 - Another war was looming in Europe and local Red Cross chapters helped other chapters send supplies, clothes and comfort items overseas.

* 1941 - Activities of local chapters increased as more service personnel arrived in the area. Ellen Morrison was engaged to assist the Newport News chapter. When Japan made a sneak attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, all Red Cross chapters were alerted to gear up their programs. The Elizabeth City County chapter ran out of funds and was helped by the national Red Cross.

* 1942-1945 - Red Cross workers and USO workers worked side by side providing entertainment and supper for servicemen at recreation centers. Red Cross became an integral part of Hampton Roads Port of Embarkating. War Fund drives were held.

* 1946 - Newport News Red Cross moved into new chapter house on Casino grounds and West Avenue.

* 1947-1949 - Red Cross continued to provide services and support to military personnel, their families and other residents. Newport News chapter received certificate of appreciation form Great Britain and Northern Ireland for its wartime services. Disaster relief provided to 13 families displaced by Madison Avenue fire in 1949. Newport News chapter had first blood drive.

* 1950-1953 - Local Red Cross chapters continued support services as American troops became involved in Korean War. War ended in 1953.

* 1954-1960 - Emergency services provided for victims of Hurricane Hazel. Funds raised by both chapters for New England floods and floods in California. Chapters became agencies of Peninsula United Community Fund in 1957. Christmas stockings were distributed to Kecoughtan's Veterans Hospital. Chapters geared up to help affected families during Hurricane Carla and Hurricane Esther.

* 1961-1965 - Shipyard commended for collecting more than 15,500 units of blood during over a 14-year period. Pat Stern became executive director of Hampton chapter. Chapters concluded support to area polio clinics. Emergency relief needed for Hurricane Dora.